If first expressions are really everything, what does your exterior say about the rest of your property? When homeowners prioritize curb appeal, it shows. Homes that feature thoughtful touches and elegant pieces out front are naturally more inviting and appealing.
Looking to overhaul your space, but not sure where to start? You don’t have to throw everything out and begin again from scratch. Today, we’re sharing a few simple upgrades that will make your exterior look expensive and help your home stand out!
1. Invest in a Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain
When was the last time you took a good look at the exterior surface of your home? If it’s painted brick, it may need a fresh coat to help it look its best. If there’s wood siding, a new stain can work wonders.
You don’t have to change the material type or go wild with a new shade. Simply upgrading what you have will make a major difference.
If you have unpainted brick or siding, you can use a power washer to remove built-up grime and mildew so the surface looks as good as new again! If you have a two-story home, you may need to hire a power-washing crew to handle those higher portions so you can stay safe.
2. Clean Up Your Landscaping
If you’ve already invested in exterior landscaping, you don’t need to uproot all of your hard work. Plants, trees, and shrubs that look overgrown and unkept can be unsightly, but a solid trim can make a major difference.
Hire a landscaper or grab the clippers and do the work yourself. If possible, try to cut your shrubs at least one foot away from the lower exterior of your home. This gives the landscaping a neat appearance and also eliminates hiding spots for snakes and other unwanted critters!
Once you’ve taken care of the big items, take the time to focus on the smaller elements. Plant a ground cover between your front shrubs for extra color and dimension. Show off your new additions with custom landscape light design to add safety, security, and aesthetic appeal.
Pull the weeds from your garden beds. Spread fresh mulch or pine needles around your natural areas.
Even if you go with a minimal landscaping approach, keep it neat and tidy. Allowing it to grow beyond the borders can give the entire property a disheveled look, no matter how impressive your other features might be.
3. Punch Up Your Porch
Are you lucky enough to have a spacious front porch? If so, take a good look around. Often, all that’s necessary to transform an exterior from grungy to gorgeous are a few carefully curated objects.
A porch swing or glider can make a great impact and pull double-duty. It adds visual interest and anchors the space when not in use, but also offers additional seating and helps you accommodate more outdoor guests!
In addition to (or in lieu of) a swing, you can also add a few rocking chairs and ottomans if space allows. These tips can help you keep your furniture looking great, no matter what the weather brings! Top the look off with two tall planters on either side of your front door for a little greenery, and you’ve created the perfect welcome zone.
4. Upgrade Your Walkway
The walkway that leads to the front of your home should complement your exterior and highlight your beautiful landscaping. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to add one. A simple, clean-cut gravel walk is all that you need, though you can upgrade to brick pavers or concrete if your home renovation budget allows.
To make sure your walkway steals the show, try accenting it on both sides with short shrubs or flower beds. You can also add elegant landscape lighting to illuminate the footpath and add ambiance when the sun goes down.
5. Prioritize Your Front Door
With so many large exterior features to think about, it’s easy to overlook one of the easiest pieces to play up: the front door!
If the paint on the door is looking worn and chipped, sand it down and repaint it. This is a great time to think about adding a bold color, such as a powerful splash of red or a nautical sky blue! These colors pop against otherwise-neutral exteriors, adding a hearty dose of personality.
You can also accessorize your front door with a wreath or welcome sign, changing the decor out with the seasons you prefer! Before you move on to any other step, remember to look down. A doormat is essential on any stoop, and they’re easy to find in stores and online.
The mat you choose can be playful, with a catchy slogan. Or, it can be solid and classy. There isn’t a right or wrong choice, so pick one that reflects the vibe and message you want your home to send!
6. Beautify Your Mailbox
You might not give too much thought to your mailbox on a regular basis. Yet, it gets more attention than you might think. Not only does your mailman interact with it daily, but everyone who visits your home for the first time will search for your house numbers on it.
What is it looking like lately? If the numbers are cracked, peeling, or falling off, visit your local hardware store to pick up some replacements. You may also need a new post if yours is rotting, splitting, or otherwise compromised. If possible, look for a vinyl post that can withstand adverse weather and everyday wear and tear.
If space permits, add a small flowerbed along the perimeter of your post. Colorful, small flowers make gorgeous statements all year round, and they’re easy to swap out when it’s time to plant something new! If you’ve never replaced your mailbox, this might be the time to switch it out for a more modern style.
7. Invest in Great Shutters
If windows are the eyes of your home, then shutters are the eyebrows, and we all know brows are having a major beauty moment. The way you frame your windows matters, and the right shutters can make a gorgeous statement on your exterior.
Again, vinyl is a great choice. Today, you can find vinyl shutters that are designed to look like real, painted wood. They’re available in a variety of colors and stains and no one will be able to tell the difference, even up close. Unlike real wood shutters, you can rest assured that these won’t splinter, crack, peel, or chip.
Try These Upgrades for a More Expensive Exterior
If you’ve been staring at your exterior and wondering how you can revamp it, you’re not alone. This can feel like a high-stakes project, especially with so many eyes on your handiwork.
Take a deep breath, and remember why you fell in love with your home in the first place. The weeds might have grown up and the shutters might have faded, but with the right steps, you can restore it to its former glory.
Use these tips to help your exterior feel more posh and expensive, one step at a time. Before long, you’ll have the most polished property on the block!